Commercial lending

In a policy proposal published Tuesday, Fed staffers called for supervisory changes to accommodate banks with commercial real estate loans still reeling from COVID.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency soon will commence a review of the Federal Home Loan Bank System. For the process to be successful, the actual users of the system and the institutions that will be the most impacted by any changes to its mission, mandate or role need to add their voice to the conversation.

So far this year, banks have reported that borrowers continue to repay their loans and delinquency rates remain low. But there are signs that this may change.

Banks including Wells Fargo, Bank of America and JPMorgan Chase have pulled back on financing for offices and other commercial real estate following a record burst of lending in the first half of this year. 

A new group called MoreThanFair aims to establish the lines between fair and unfair lending, to set best practices for the use of AI in lending and to lessen the stigma of fintech lenders.

Bank of America says August was its best month ever for Small Business Administration lending and that it's optimistic a new program supporting women and minority commercial real estate borrowers could boost production even more.

Lenders are extending credit to corporate suppliers, helping them get paid earlier and keeping goods flowing. But the growth in the sector carries certain risks, too.

The Delaware-based bank sees a particular opportunity to serve senior living communities and long-term care facilities. It has hired Kevin McKeown from Fulton Bank to run the new group.

BofA has launched two programs, one focused on increasing homeownership for Black and Hispanic Americans, and the other on small businesses owned by women and minorities that buy commercial real estate in federal opportunity zones.

Data as of Jun. 30, 2022. Dollars in thousands.

Bank lending activity grew at a strong clip in the second quarter and continues to expand. Yet rising interest rates and recession concerns could hamper future growth.

Data as of Mar. 31, 2022. Dollars in thousands.

Data as of Mar. 31, 2022. Dollars in thousands.

Data as of Mar. 31, 2022. Dollars in thousands.

The agency acknowledged that loan performance in the sector has been strong, but cited several reasons to think that might change, including rising interest rates, the effects of inflation and uncertainty about the future of work and commerce.

Energy loan balances at the Oklahoma bank grew 6% from the prior quarter, and unfunded commitments to companies in the sector increased 11%. “This has been a really historic opportunity for BOK Financial Financial to take market share,” said CEO Stacy Kymes.

The Georgia bank said inflationary pressures and interest rate hikes could erode interest among borrowers, particularly in the commercial real estate business. Total loans grew at a 12% clip in the second quarter.

The Buffalo, New York, bank flagged urban hotels and construction projects as potential sources of trouble. “But there’s nothing that’s flashing red right now that says there’s a big crisis coming,” said a top executive.